The Telemachy

The Telemachy is a journey of self-discovery inspired by Homer’s Odyssey. It follows Telemachus (Patrick Fryer) an Anglo-Greek boy who runs away from home in order to find his true father Ilias (Constantine Markoulakis) on the Greek island of Skiathos. Throughout the film we encounter characters with overlaying themes that remind us that everyone has a story to tell. Also featuring Andrew Paul, Harvey Virdi and Lysette Antony.

“For rarely are sons similar to their fathers; most are worse and some are better.” The Odyssey, Homer.

In the great epic poems of Homer, Telemachus was the son of the famous Odysseus. Scholars often refer to the first four books of the Odyssey as ‘The Telemachy’.

Writer/Director Alexander Nally has written the Telemachy as his debut feature film. Alexander has been fascinated with Greek mythology all his life. He has a degree in classical studies and wrote his thesis on the concepts of ancient heroism. Now he wishes to re-create one of the oldest and most incredible stories ever written in a new and modern way, focusing on the more obscure but fascinating character that is Odysseus’ son, while still paying tribute to the stunning motifs and allusions that make the Odyssey so rich and rewarding to read.

Full Synopsis

In this modern re-telling of Homer’s Greek myth; we follow the young Telemachus, a boy lost in the world with no father or sense of belonging. He struggles to cope with the men who invade his house and pursue his mother. He decides to leave for Greece where- in some of the most stunning and organic settings in the world- he discovers his true father, Ilias (a trouble-free fisherman on the island of Skiathos) who begins to teach him the simple values of life.

The natural bond between father and son steadily emerges, but when he learns the truth about his father and his parents’ dark past his life is suddenly uprooted and love turns to hate as Telemachus’ world is torn down around him. Following some of the moral teachings of Homer’s original work- the earliest literature of western culture- we build to a dramatic climax where father and son are forced to unite against their problems. As this tender story unfolds, we cross back to the contrasting urban life of East London to follow the poignant tale of Omar, a young Pakistani-Muslim and Emily, his white-Catholic lover, who are forced to conceal their relationship until it is eventually torn apart by the power of culture and the prejudices so common in our world.

While Omar and Telemachus may not know each other they have more in common than they think. This is a coming of age story that questions the very bonds of everyday relationships- mainly of those between lovers, religion, nature, parents and most importantly – ourselves.

I love Greek Mythology, they are some of the most incredible and loved stories known to the world. I would like to pass forward some of the characterizations from within these tails. The Odyssey in particular is often regarded as one of the oldest and best stories in the western world and the focus on Telemachus is often overlooked.

Applying modern theories to ancient mythology at university made me realise just how much can still apply to our contemporary society. Creating a relevant character connection with a society more than 3,000 years old not only shows a huge human connection but a rich consistency to our morality and instinct as human beings. Many things have changed but emotions have stayed the same.

I love Greece, as a country and a history. It is responsible to everything we love in our modern western-world- Democracy, Art, Theatre, Philosophy etc. I want to pay homage to a country and culture which I so love, that has suffered recent moral decline and I want to promote its beautiful scenery and history throughout the world.

I want to pass on the experiences and learning’s of my own life and the people around me. There are so many aspects to the Telemachy that represent issues and conflicts that have happened to people in my life. I feel these messages are relevant and important to share.

I wish to create a sense that every person you pass in the street, no matter who they are, has an incredible life story to tell.

On a practical note; I want to make a good film for a small budget, creating something people can enjoy and demonstrate my skills as a director. This film will be a calling card to my future career as a filmmaker.

Production

Filmed on Location in London and Oxford, UK and Athens and Skiathos, Greece